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Black ice is one of the biggest winter hazards, and the worst part is… you often don’t know it’s there until it’s too late. Despite the name, black ice isn’t black. It’s actually  clear  – a thin layer of frozen water that blends perfectly with the surface beneath it. That’s why it’s so dangerous: people simply don’t see it coming. What Causes Black Ice? Black ice forms when: The ground is already cold There’s light moisture in the air Temperatures dip close to freezing It o

Every winter, we’re out spreading grit across roads, car parks and paths — but have you ever wondered what the stuff actually does ? Most people think grit “melts ice.”Not quite.The real magic comes from salt lowering the freezing point of water. The Quick Version Grit = rock salt. Rock salt + ice = salty water. Salty water freezes at a lower temperature than normal water. So instead of turning into ice at 0°C, the surface might not freeze until -6°C or lower. That’s why grit

When temperatures drop, keeping roads and driveways safe becomes a concern — especially on private roads. Many assume the council covers all gritting, but in Scotland that’s not always true. So, who’s responsible for keeping these areas safe? Council Roads vs Private Roads Local councils such as City of Edinburgh Council and Scottish Borders Council are responsible for gritting public roads and main routes  only.Their focus is on priority routes — A-roads, main bus routes, ho

Every winter, Edinburgh and the Lothians experience freezing temperatures, frost, and icy conditions. While the scenery can be beautiful,...